V) Charming Stays

India's landscape is a tightly woven When size molters, The Leela Palace New tapestry of style, comfort and luxury that is Delhi, in the cily's Diplomatic Enclave area, as varied as it is exuberant. Not content with delivers with rooms that are said to be among the usual amenities, the country's polished the largest in the city, and the Murano chan­ z hotel offerings step well outside the box with deliers, hand-carved elephants and miniature ladies-only floors, tents so embellished that they paintings adorning common areas blend in seem inspired by fairy tales, palaces still fit for nicely with top-of-the-line comforts. Other perks: royalty, countryside retreats that hark to another a huge ESPA spa, heated infinity pool on its era and B&Bs that offer a window into a more rooftop and whiskey and wine bar. o authentic, home-grown Indian experience. No visllor to will leave without Above all, the and resorts of Indio seem driving to for a peek at the Taj Mohal. to have one thing in common: that inimitable ITe Mughal doesn't just offer views of the most Indian hospitality, coupled with the celebration famous of Indian landmarks, but also features of a beautiful culture. ITC Hotels' flagship and aword-winning Kayo Kalp-The Spa and just-as-decadent spa suites, City Escapes which come with private pools, treatment room Most of 's best-known hotel names-The and steam room. No longer do guests just leela, Taj. lTC, Oberai, The Claridges, to come to visit the Taj Mahal, just a short drive nome a few-hove mode their fame in the away from the hotel; the ITC Mughal's spa, cities. last year, New Delhi's shopping distriel says general manager San jay Sharma, has o welcomed The Oberoi, Gurgaon, an oasis "expanded the experience" of the destination, in the country's capitol. With a cigar lounge, with guests extending their stay to indulge in reflection pools and the city's first 24-hour spa, pomegranate sugar scrubs, Abhyanga mas­ the hotel is just the latest of many stars in the sage and other mind-and-body treats. Oberoi roster. It features opulent suites with pri­ Visitors heading easlto Kolkala will wont to vate heated pools, plus 24-hour butler service, consider Fortune Select Loudon, an upscale Clefs d'Or concierge service and Rolls Royce hotel in the heort of but tucked away and BMW 7 series limousines. in a quiet street oway from the cily's busyness. One of the capitol city's landmark hOlels This posh properly is aimed at business travel­ is The Claridges, New Delhi, an elegant ers but pleases leisure visitors as well thanks to property of classically gorgeous rooms and contemporary services and furnishings made suiles, some with private terraces, plus popular for complete comfort. With a glillering pool, city gathering spats like The Vodka Bar and 24-hour room service and sleek, gold-tone a shopping arcade. Its newer sister, The decor in rooms and suites, guests can easily Ciaridges, Surajkund, Delhi, NCR, provides succumb to modern-day perks before and after more modern five-star accommodations and their days of sightseeing and exploration. The CJaridges Spa, complete with a and In the northeast, the capital of the state meditation studio. of Sikkim welcomes one of Mayfair Hotels Another Delhi icon is The Imperial, built & Resorts' most enchanting properties: the in 1931. This restored colonial-style hotel Mayfair Gangtok. This colonial charmer tokes welcomes guests with Porlhault linens and well­ full advantage of Gongtok's high altitude and slocked minibars in rooms; ladies traveling on scenic beauly, with warm and inviting rooms their own have the option to choose on Eliza embraced by lush foliage and villas offering Room, with special amenities and a camero dipping pools in their balconies. Besides an right outside their door. Its new Imperial Spa array of fine dining options, there's also a provides the latest and most time honored of popular onsite casino here, plus a full-service therapies, and there ore in-house astrologers Pevonia Spa. Children have a playground, available for consultations. Yet beyond its ploy room and plenly of pool games to enjoy, hollowed history and legendary offerings, The while adults can also spend their time getting Imperial is equally known for its priceless art cozy in the library, mountain biking or trekking collection and guided art tours of the hotel are through the hills. easily arranged through its concierge. Of course, is not without ils share

1-18 inCfedibieindia.org of formidable stays. Grand Mumbai, in rooms and suites, plus an infinity pool that the Santacruz orea, provides all the trappings overlooks the city's skyline, wellness treatments of a Grand HyaH stay with a wealth of local at Spa Alilo and a leisure concierge ready to extras: a jogging track at the Club Oasis put together golf, hiking or culinary excursions. Fitness Centre & Spa, a wide array of Indian Families who want to vocation in true comfort and international dining choices and a two­ can choose one of the A/i/o Residences, story shopping center filled with top designer which feature lhree bedrooms, kitchen, library, stores. Besides highly enjoyable rooms and balcony and maid's quarters. suites with floor-lo-ceiling windows, the Grand After making a nome for itself with proper­ HyaH Mumbai has serviced apartments for ties in Goo, Kerala and , Vivonto by extended stays. Yet another unique plus to the Taj's new venture in Hyderobad, keeps build­ hotel: a collection of more than 100 com­ ing upon the brand's "cool luxury" concept missioned pieces of art, inspired by three and "contemporary, energetic and vivacious archaeological sites in the city. mist," according to Deepa Misra Harris, Taj The Leela Mumbai morries Hotels Resorts and Palaces' senior v.p_ of sales business and leisure options well through baby­ and marketing. Another twist to the brand: Ko)-tl Kalp spa at Ire Mugha! Agla. sitting services, an expansive pool and acres each hotel offers a signature experience, of waterfalls and lotus ponds. Rooms and known as the Vivonfo Molif. At Vivanta by suites are overly comfortable, with guests who Taj-Begumpet, , this experience doily 4x4 vehicle safariS, and the occasional choose Royal Club accommodations enjoying tokes the form of exciting culinary journeys, elephant safari should one prefer. extra services such as roundtrip limo transfers, including a day-long Gourmet Tour guided Goa is also home to the small but charming a personalized butler, dedicated check-in and by the hotel's executive chef. And besides a Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, a former fortress -out counter, and access to the Royal Club wide variety of premium restaurants, there's of just seven rooms-named after each day of Lounge and its food and beverage selections. also on in-the-pool dining experience served the week-that tokes full advantage of its Por­ In , the busy capital of the state on glass tables. Its 181 rooms and suites are tuguese heritage and spectacular views of the of Tamil Nodu, the brand-new fTC Grand fully equipped with smart technology, and the Arabian Sea. Embellished with warm colors, Cholo boosts the lorgest ballroom in Indio, Deluxe Allure Suites provide dazzling views of roomy sundecks and an enchanting courtyard, hand-carved morble throughout the palatial the city's skyline. this inspiring getaway also lets guests use its lobby and expansive hi-tech rooms. like other speedboat to explore their surroundings. ITC properties, the ITC Grand Cholo also Jungle & Seaside Retreats Park Hotels, which has mode a mark in has a floor dedicated to accommodations for The different brands collectively known as Taj India with boutique properties in some of its ladies traveling by themselves, dubbed Eva Hotels Resorts and Palaces hove dramatically mast important cities, ventures out to Kerala's Rooms. These feature service from women meaked hotel choices in India and abroad backwaters with The Park on Vembanad butlers, enhanced security features like avail­ since their first, The Toj Moho/ Polace Hotel, Lake. This tiny place of just 10 rooms is big able screening of incoming calls and in-room Bombay, opened in 1903. These brands have on personality, with a pillow menu, elegant female-friendly amenities. And like the rest of also made !heir way to some of India's most furnishings and an entertainment deck for spe­ the brand's luxury hotels, it close", follows lTC's populor leisure destinations, including Kerala cial performances. Each stay here comes with credo of "Responsible Luxury"; all of its luxury and Goo_ Besides the luxury Taj properties, for a complimentary massage and a half-day rice hotels have been accorded the LEED Platinum instance, there's Taj Exotica, which focuses on boat cruise on the backwaters. In the future for rating thanks to a wide array of environmen­ resort-ond-spa experiences; Taj Exotica Goa Pork Hotels: properties in , Kolkata, tally friendly measures. overlooks the Arabion Sea and offers plenty and . In bustling Gandhinagor, in the western of outdoor activities in the form of cycling and Some of the state of Kerala's most extrava­ port of the country, there's the Cambay Spa baoting, on activity center for kids and an gont and beautiful stays are courtesy of KTDC & Golf Resort. Guests will find plenty of -focused Jivo Spa. Hotels & Resorts. Bolgotty Island Resort treatment options at the Orient Spa, a gaming There's also the Tai Safaris line, a joint in Kochi has rooms and lokefront cottages zone for kids and tennis courts, plus access to venture with andBeyond that features rustic­ plus an Ayurvedic center, with boating and a 9-hole course and a golf training academy. luxe wildlife lodges in national parks. Mahua sightseeing tours available; Lake Palace Alila Hotels and Resorts, which made its Kothi, in Bandhavgarh Notional Park, features Thekkody, meanwhile, offers a completely debut in Indio with a beautiful hotel in Goa, kufiyas (village-style huts) with private court­ different experience in a jungle-like setting. now has the Alilo Bongolore_ Set in the yards, yoga amenities and bikes for exploring Located on an island in the middle of Periyor Whitefield district, this sleek, contemporary one's surroundings. Guests will enjoy dinners al Lake, inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, this was retreat comes with private balconies for all fresco and plenty of wildlife viewing on twice- the summer palace of the King of Travancore.)

recommend.com 1-19 Palace. This Taj hotel dates bock 10 1835 and ace, built in the 18th century on a tiny island. begon as a much smaller pavilion for Maha­ Seemingly floating amid tranquil waters, this rani Chandrawatji's favorite handmaiden long is an oll-white mONel that offers incompara­ before it became the eventual home of the ble views from its rooftop deck, cultural shows Maharajah ofJaipur. Its gardens are certainly on the courtyard and impeccable rooms and fit for royalty and welcome a variety of bird suites with 'round-the·c1ock butler service and life, including peacocks, as well as nightly both pillow and quilt menus. Guests can performances from folk dancers and musicians. embark on a sunset cruise or lake a heritage Inside, life-sized portraits of local royals, the walk, bubbly in hand, with a royal escort. most intricate of craftsmanship and Rajasthani artwork can't help but impress even the most What's Caming jaded of Iravelers. As India continues 10 boom, more internation­ In , known for its blue houses, foris al brands are looking to move in or expand. It features just six rooms adorned with antique and temples, another Taj property shares living Slarwood will add Aloft and Four Polnls by furnishings and innumerable possibilities to space with local royals. Built for the grand­ Sheraton properlies and debut the W brand spot elephants, bison, deer and maybe jigers, father of the present Maharajah, Ihe Umaid in Mumbai, Goa and New Delhi. St. Regis, leopards and bears. Another beautiful choice: Bhawan Palace is a sandstone beauty and meanwhile, will make its first foray into the Teo County in Munnar, where quaint collages one of the world's largest residences, combin­ country wilh the St. Regis Naida, Delhi in with amazing views and surrounded by green ing both Eastern- and Western-style architec­ 2016. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is allow for days of scenic trekking, trout fishing tural motifs for incredible effect. set to open its first Indian hate! in Bengaluru or cycling along mountain trails. Not for are Jodhpur is olso home to We1comHeritage this year, while Shangri-la Hotels and Re­ Eravikulam Notional Park and Chinnar Wild­ Bal Samand lake Palace, which is built in sorts will soon debut the Shangri-la Hotel, life Sanctuary. red sandstone and overlooks Balsamand Mumbai. And lebua Holels & Resorts, Visitors heading much farther north will also lake. Conslructed following the Rajpul style, already famous thanks to lauded hotels in be thrilled by the majestic stays in store. In its structure was first conceived as the summer Thailand and New Zealand, has iust moved the quiet foothills of the Ihey'li find home of the local N\aharojas; today, terraced in with Ihe lebua New Delhi. Anando in the Himalayas, a spa retreat for gardens and 10 suites designed following For more information on accommodations those seeking to focus and re-energize. This local Old World touches embrace visitors in Indio, visit fhraLcom.• quiet spot, the former residence of the N\a­ looking for an indigenous experience. Onsite harojah of Tehri-Garhwal, is world-renowned activities include yoga and croquet, and there Contact Infarmatian for its complete spa program, customized are plenty of easy-to-arrange offsite excursions Alila Hotels and Resorts: alilahotels.com for each guest and offering full guidance on like horse riding, birdwatching and buggy Ananda in the Himalayas: onondmpa.com yoga, Ayurveda, cuisine and aU other aspects rides. Comboy Hotels & Resorts: that work together toward optimal mind-body Stunning stays are also the norm in Udaipur, thecombay.com health. Beautiful rooms and suites come the City of lakes. There's The leela Palace The Claridges Hotels & Resorts: equipped with Kurta pajamas that can be Kempinski Udaipur on the banks of Lake doridges-hateIs. com worn during one's stay, a selection of aromatic Pichola, with the Aravali Mountains standing Devi Garh: deviresorts.in baths ond a pillow menu for the utmost com­ tall an the other side. All elegantly appoinled Fort Timcol Heritage Hotel: foritiracol.com fori. To reconnect with nature, guests can go rooms and suites overlook the lake, with butler Fortune Select loudon: fortunehotels.in on trekking excursions or visit Rajaji and Chilla service at the ready. Guests here enjoy Raj­ Grand Hyatt Mumbai: National Park for elephant safaris. asthani folk dances and history sessions, plus mumboi.grand.hyatt.com yoga, boot rides and cooking classes upon The Imperial: 18001 323-7500; Treasures af Rajasthan request. theimperialindio.com or preferredhotels.com Most of those dreamlike hotel-palaces we've The village of Delwara, just north of ITC Hotels: (800) 102-2333; itcholels.in heard about are located within Rajasthan. The Udaipur, is home to the 18th century Devi KTDC Hotels & Resorts: ktdc.com state's capitol isJaipur, otherwise known as the Garh, a fort palace of just 39 suites built in The Leeta Palaces, Hotels and Resorts: Pink City and home to a few regal proper- local marble and the Devi Spa by l'Oed/one. (8001426-3135; theleela.com ties that rival one's imagination. There's The Streamlined accommodations bring modern Mayfair Gangtok: mayfairhotels.com Oberoi Rajvilas, a multiple award winner, features into a classical stay and have the Oberai Hotels: (800) 562-3764; featuring villas with privote pools and luxury unique distinction of being adorned in semi­ oberoihotels.com tents with teak floors and patios, all ensconced precious stones. The Devi Garh Complex, The Park Hotels: theparkhotels.com within 32 acres of landscaped gardens. which combines the Devi Garh and Palace laj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces: Picture four-poster beds, c1aw-footed bathtubs, suites, boasts a black marble swimming pool (866) WOW I TAl; tajholels.com and cozy reading areas by the windows, all and celebrates the Hindu concept of the male Taj Safaris: (866) 969-1825; taisafaris.com wrapped up in the ambiance of another era. and female energies of Shiv and Shakti. WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace: Another stunner here is the Rambagh lake Pichola safeguards the Tal lake Pal- welcomheritagehotels.com

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